1993 Mazda MX3 Problems
- Complaints
- 54filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 133,216miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Mazda MX3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report automatic shoulder belts that jam, stick, or stop retracting, along with recall 97V211000 repairs that owners say did not last or were disputed. Transmission faults, such as hesitation when pulling away and sudden downshifts, also appear in the sample. Where mileage is stated, the belt complaints fall between about 55,000 and 150,000 miles, while many complaints give no mileage.
- Seat belts
Automatic shoulder belt jams or stops retracting
- 25 complaints (46%)
- median 113,000 mi at 15.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Owners describe automatic shoulder belts that jam in the rail, stick in one position, stop partway around, or fail to latch or retract. Some complaints say a belt motor failed or a buckle cable came off its track, and that the belt stayed inoperative after a repair visit. Some report that only the lap belt still worked. Where mileage is stated, these complaints fall between about 55,000 and 150,000 miles, and many do not state mileage.
What to check: Check that both automatic shoulder belts latch, release, and retract smoothly in several seat positions, and ask whether recall 97V211000 work is recorded in the service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Drivers side automatic belt does not work. Can only use lap belt. Had dealership correct during initial recall but there was not a problem then. Years later problem began and Mazda will not correct. Seat belt keeps moving back and forth in track and will not lock in place. I have to remove fuse because it is constant.”
NHTSA complaint #11210519, filed 2019-05, 150,000 miles“Driver's side automatic seat belt failed. A recall was issued and repairs done. However, problem recurred. Billion Mazda of sioux falls ordered a new automatic seat belt assy problem fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10089868, filed 2004-09, 136,000 miles - Seat belts
Seat belt recall repairs repeated, disputed or refused
- 24 complaints (44%)
- median 130,431 mi at 15.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2019
Complaints say recall 97V211000 work was sometimes only an inspection, that the belts failed again after the work, or that the dealer declined or lacked parts for the repair. Some owners say they were asked to pay for work they considered outside the recall, including a control module, and others were told the recall was closed on their vehicle. A complaint says the manufacturer would not cover a second repair. Where mileage is stated, these complaints fall between about 55,000 and 150,000 miles, and many do not state mileage.
What to check: Ask the seller for paperwork showing recall 97V211000 was completed on both front belts, and check the manufacturer's recall lookup with the vehicle's identification number.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: 1993 Mazda MX3. The consumer received a recall 72803 in april 2005 concerning the seat belts. The seat belts were repaired in april 2005. The seat belts malfunctioned at least 3 times since they were repaired. The vehicle had been taken back 3 times and they could not remedy the problem. They asked the consumer to bring the vehicle back for a fourth time. This started out with the passenger side and then on both sides. The seat belts were automatic shoulder belts, and they would not release automatically and must be released manually. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131002, filed 2005-08, 130,431 miles“97v211000/automatic shoulder belt rail: dealer refused to repair manufacturer's recall because motorbelt would intermittently fail to operate. Dealer informed that seat belt must fail to operate before they can repair problem. The customer states that it is safety hazard not to fix the belt right away.”
NHTSA complaint #876310, filed 2000-12 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission faults and repeated repairs
- 6 complaints (11%)
- median 150,100 mi at 10.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2005
Owners describe transmission faults such as failing to accelerate from a stop, a clicking noise when the accelerator is pressed, and a hold function that keeps the gear locked and triggers a sudden downshift and slowdown. Some report repeated transmission replacements or repairs, including a warranty repair that took a long time to complete. Mileage appears only in the matching transmission reports, at about 150,100 miles; the other transmission complaints do not state it.
What to check: On a test drive, check for hesitation when pulling away from a stop and for sudden downshifts, and ask for transmission repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do is relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu. Problem. I saw many complaints about this make on the transmission, and I don't think I should pay anymore to get it replaced. Everytime I try to put on the gas it fails to accelerate. Now it makes a clicking noise everytime I press the gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10129851, filed 2005-07, 150,100 miles“Ever since I got my car it seems all we've had to do is relplace parts. We have had transmission problems from the start. Until recently when our car was failing to go and getting stuck evey time we came to a stop light, I got the idea that it wasn't how I was handiling it, that their was a manu. Problem. I saw many complaints about this make on the transmission, and I don't think I should pay anymore to get it replaced. Everytime I try to put on the gas it fails to accelerate. Now it makes a clicking noise everytime I press the gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10129853, filed 2005-07, 150,100 miles - Seat belts
Shoulder belt locking, tightening, or harness failure
- 8 complaints (15%)
- median 124,500 mi at 15.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2019
Complaints describe a shoulder belt that tightens too hard during use, and a belt that locks up while worn and is uncomfortable for the occupant. Another report describes a passenger shoulder harness that broke loose from the interior in a crash, and says the airbags did not deploy. A separate complaint describes a seat belt sensor reported broken after a recall visit, when the owner said the belts had worked before. None of these complaints states mileage; they describe the belt tightening or locking while worn, a harness failure in a crash, and a sensor found broken after a recall visit.
What to check: Test the belts for smooth locking and comfortable tension during normal stops, and check that the shoulder harness anchors are secure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“No deployment of airbag during accident caused injury to passengers. Safety harness for the shoulder on the passenger side broke from the interior of the car causing passenger to be thrown around the cabin of the vehicle. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #546528, filed 1999-06“Seatbelt system malfunctioned, causing the seatbelt to tighten too hard. Occupant took off the seatbelt which wont protect the occupant if the seatbelt is not in used in an accident. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #832381, filed 1998-12
Buying note. Ask for paperwork showing that recall 97V211000 was completed on both front automatic belts, and test the belts and transmission on a test drive. These belt and transmission items are the most concrete points to verify for this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 39 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mazda MX3. 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 133,216 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts30 56%
- Electrical system6 11%
- Air bags3 5.6%
- Brakes3 5.6%
- Suspension3 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control3 5.6%
- Engine cooling2 3.7%
- Other or unknown2 3.7%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1).
Example complaints
Seat belts: “The contact owns a 1993 Mazda MX3. The contact stated that the drivers side motor for the seat belt failed and locked when she opened the door. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer; nor was it repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10399092, filed 2011-05, 99,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My car was wanting to stall at stop lights. I broght it to my mechanic, he ordered a part for the vehicle (I believe it was an intake valve) and asked me to come back in a couple days. When I broght the vehicle back, he called to tell me the intake valve was the least of my problems. I had an electrical fire under the hood, which had melted the fuse box! Luckily I was not driving the vehicle at the time of fire. My mechanic stated the cause of this electrical fire to be the cooling fan. I had the cooling fan, wiring, wiring harness, intake valve and a water pump replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #706117, filed 1999-04Electrical system: “The contact owns a 1993 Mazda MX3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and the battery caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. The contact called north kansas city Mazda (located in north kansas city, mo) who stated that they would retrieve the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was never picked up. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11012643, filed 2017-08, 175,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 99,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 Mazda MX3. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-3 · coupe | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Mazda MX3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-3 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| MX-3 FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| MX-3 FWD | 1.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| MX-3 FWD | 1.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V674000Oct 19, 2015Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Mazda MX3 1992–1993, MPV 1989–1998, Protege 1990–1998 +4 more
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points…
- 97V211000Nov 18, 1997Seat belts › Front › WebbingCovers: Mazda MX3 1992–1993, 323 1990–1994
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front seat automatic shoulder belts. The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly can become jammed in the rail rendering the…
- 97V116000Jul 22, 1997Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springsCovers: Mazda MX3 1992–1995
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, nw hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio…
Recall details for the 1993 Mazda MX3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10208555Feb 24, 2022Electrical system. Radio Unlocking Codes.
- 10153339Jan 14, 2019Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018Vehicle speed control, Equipment. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10118467Aug 7, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 10213425Feb 17, 2016Electrical system. Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10098367Aug 15, 2014Equipment. In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer is…
Other model years of the Mazda MX3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 10 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 19 | 95,900 | 1 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 54 | 133,216 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 45 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mazda MX3?
Owners of this model year most often report automatic shoulder belts that jam, stick, or stop retracting, along with recall 97V211000 repairs that owners say did not last or were disputed. The issues reported most often: Automatic shoulder belt jams or stops retracting; Seat belt recall repairs repeated, disputed or refused; Transmission faults and repeated repairs.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Mazda MX3 have?
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mazda MX3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Mazda MX3 is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 30 complaints (56% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 7.
Has the 1993 Mazda MX3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Mazda MX3 get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Mazda MX3 (MX-3, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Mazda MX3 reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 133,216 miles and the middle half falls between 99,000 and 150,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.